Scientific Name of Cow Parsnip: Heracelum lanatum

Family:

Parsley Family

Habitat:

Disturbed fields, yards, or roadsides.

Characteristics:

1. It is a large plant from 4 to 7 feet tall.

2. Large palmate leaves divided into 3 leaflets.

3. Leaves clasp stem.

4. Stem is thick and hollow. It is ribbed on the outside like celery (a relative).

5. Small white flowers in large umbel flower arrangement. An umbel is shaped like an inside-out umbrella.

Uses or Importances:

1. The peeled stems are edible raw or cooked. Remove the tough outer skin for easier eating.

2. The stems are high in protein.

3. Reportedly, prolonged contact or ingestion could cause skin damage in light-skinned people.